ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Charles Novak, a 29-year-old resident of Queens, NY, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for his role in a brazen scheme that defrauded the United States Postal Service out of $48,000.
The defendant, along with conspirators, targeted U.S. Postal money orders, altering their values from $1.51 to $1,000 each. Novak’s fraudulent activities were uncovered when he presented one such forged order at the Jefferson Road Post Office in Henrietta, NY. During a high-speed chase that ensued, Novak abandoned his cell phone, which contained incriminating evidence, leading Postal Inspectors to identify and apprehend him.
Novak now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the theft charge, according to Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. The investigation was led by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The plea comes as Novak’s case heads towards sentencing on August 18, 2017, before Judge Elizabeth Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi is handling the prosecution of this case, which has shocked the community with its audacity and scale.
Contact: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
RELATED: Midtown Mayhem: Queens Shooter Pleads Guilty
RELATED: Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Ecstasy Distribution
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
